Founded in 2011, Esquarium offers an active, engaging community, worldbuilding that is both well-developed and adaptive to new arrivals, and high-quality modern tech roleplaying. Set in a closed world and canon separate from the greater NS multiverse, we have an extensively-documented lore and roleplay opportunities open to all members, from military conflicts to diplomatic visits to location RPs to parliamentary shenanigans, and everything in between. Oh, and we have a snazzy Wikipedia-style map.

Interested? Feel free to hop on board! We are always looking for new members to help us build an interesting world. We don't expect you to be active every day and in every aspect of the region. More interested in writing IIwiki articles than character RPs? No problem. We welcome new and experienced players alike and we'd be glad to have any style of play.

Please complete the following application. You will be accepted after receiving TWO approvals. One of us will be with you shortly to approve you or offer some suggestions for revisions before accepting you. You will not be denied except in exceptional circumstances.

You may either link to a previous RP or write a paragraph or two from scratch for the RP sample. A good, professional news article is acceptable as an RP.

You may write about anything for your RP sample. Here's some ideas if you get stuck: Your country's generals inform you of an impending nuclear strike; An assassin strikes on the Queen's wedding day; A newspaper article about a hurricane

Please don't claim to be a great power from the start, and try to keep the population size reasonable. Remember that in real life, less than 6% of countries have over 100 million people and less than 12% have over 50 million people.

Please choose a contiguous spot over an island. If you really need to be an island, please explain why in the application.

We would prefer it if you placed your nation in a culturally realistic position (i.e. don't put Swedes in the middle of the African/Middle Eastern continent of Nautasia or Kenyans near the North Pole or Chinese speakers in the Nordic continent of Nordania).

Don't be afraid to edit your coastline to your liking. In fact, we highly encourage it!

[u][b]ADDITIONAL INFORMATION[/b][/u][b]What role do you envision yourself playing in international relations?:[/b] [b]Critically discuss the strengths of your nation (esp. military & economic) and how they may affect existing regional power structures:[/b] [b]If asked to reduce the strength of your nation, how would you do so?:[/b]

[u][b]OOC STUFF[/b][/u][b]How did you hear about Esquarium?:[/b] [b]Other NS accounts:[/b] [b]Roleplay sample:[/b] <-- This is not optional. Please delete this message to show that you understand this requirement. -->

[b]Anything else to add (optional):[/b]

BASIC DETAILSIC name: Your country's official, legal name (United States of America, not USA; French Republic, not France; Republic of Poland, not Rzeczpospolita Polska)Population: Please keep this number relatively low. The higher it is, the more likely it is that we may ask you to revise it.Language(s): The languages natively spoken in your nation.Main culture/ethnic group: Self-descriptive.GDP per capita (USD): GDP per capita is, more or less, the average amount of wealth each citizen possesses. It is calculated by dividing the GDP (the total value of the economy) by the population.Capital: Self-descriptive.Government type: A brief summary of your government system (e.g. "Unitary semi-presidential republic," "military junta," "highly decentralized confederation")Nation description (at least a paragraph, please): Tell us about your nation's history and how it is today.Map claim (Imgur link preferred): Please draw ragged, realistic borders. Coastlines are rarely ever perfectly straight or curved lines.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONWhat role do you envision yourself playing in international relations?: Give us an idea of what to expect from your nation in RP in terms of diplomatic and military actions. Write as much or as little as you feel is necessary.Critically discuss the strengths of your nation (esp. military & economic) and how they may affect existing regional power structures: Please analyze your nation's military and financial strengths and the ways by which they could potentially affect the status quo in the region. Write as much or as little as you feel is necessary.If asked to reduce the strength of your nation, how would you do so?: Self-descriptive. If you don't think that we will ask you to do this, you may skip this question.

OOC STUFFHow did you hear about Esquarium?: Self-descriptive.Other NS accounts: Please list any other notable identity by which you have gone in the past. You may TG Ainin if you don't want to answer publicly.Roleplay sample: Either link us to a previous RP in which you participated or write some original content (at least a paragraph). This is just so that we can gauge your commitment to Esquarium's focus on worldbuilding, storytelling and roleplaying.

Anything else to add (optional): Self-descriptive.

BASIC DETAILSIC name: Toksanese CommonwealthPopulation: 64,155,000Language(s): Thai, ICly known as ToksaneseMain culture/ethnic group:GDP per capita (USD): $67,458Capital: HwanggumGovernment type: Federal parliamentary republicNation description (at least a paragraph, please): The Toksanese Commonwealth (เครือจักรภพ ชาวตกซ่าน; Kherụ̄xcạkrp̣hph chāw Tks̀ān), commonly known as Toksan (ตกซ่าน; Tks̀ān), is a nation located in Borea, Esquarium. Toksan shares Land Borders with Ionland, Saint Hadrian and Kaona and Naval Borders with Kulsandia. The Commonwealth exhibits a population of 64,155,000; with the nation’s capital being Hwanggum in the nation’s southern provinces.

Becoming a Dominion of Lusatia in 1875, the Christian Republic governed the nation despite considerable distance. Nonetheless, the Commonwealth Government was established in 1950, where the nation had sought Independence from Lusatia through the Commonwealth Constitution of 1950. The Commonwealth Government is considered to be a Federal Republic, with the Head of State being the Prime Minister. The Chief Justice acts as a safeguard from the Commonwealth Government's actions due to the executive being part of the Commonwealth Diet, with the Judicial Branch holding the power to veto legislation violating the Constitution.

The economy of Toksan is considered to be market-orientated, although the Commonwealth Government has taken action to slightly regulate volatile sectors. The Largest Sectors of the nation’s economy is considered to be Manufacturing and Services; with Agriculture and Tourism coming a considerable distant third and fourth. Electronics, Pharmaceuticals, Beef and Rice are considered to be the nation’s largest exports.Map claim (Imgur link preferred):http://i.imgur.com/NSeH68H.png

ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONWhat role do you envision yourself playing in international relations?: Toksan is a middle power with a relatively weak military with little power projection. However, it compensates for its military weakness by having a modern, service-oriented economy that extends its influence beyond its borders. Its close economic integration with other liberal democracies means that Toksanese firms are somewhat influential throughout the Free World.Critically discuss the strengths of your nation (esp. military & economic) and how they may affect existing regional power structures: Toksan has a very developed and high-tech economy, amongst the strongest in the region. This could potentially come into conflict with the Tengkong economic bloc's historically dominant presence in Borea.If asked to reduce the strength of your nation, how would you do so?: I would be willing to reduce my population to compensate for my high GDP per capita, so that the overall economy doesn't totally eclipse that of my poorer, larger neighbours.

OOC STUFFHow did you hear about Esquarium?: From a friend in the NSG Senate roleplayOther NS accounts: NoneRoleplay sample:

The tension in the room was palpable.

Half an hour ago, the mood had been relaxed. The Coke was flowing, the monitors went unattended, and Colonel Connors was joking around with the techies about James' chances with the spunky new Navy liaison officer. It was just another dull day at the Air Force Air Defence Command, for nothing interesting ever happened in Tantastan's skies. It all changed when the news came: the Chief of Staff had been taken hostage. General Robinson, or as we knew him, Ian, was more than just our commander. He was our friend. With his office down the hall from the radar room, he had personally trained every man and woman of the 151st, including myself.

We silently considered the situation in disbelief, when suddenly, an alien ringing sound filled the room. Fear was struck into our hearts by the mechanical tune. It was the red telephone, the emergency line that sat in the corner of the room collecting dust. James had the bad luck of sitting next to it, and picked up the handset with an audible gulp. He listened quietly to the caller, his facial expressions increasingly showing terror and immense sadness. When the call was over, he barely had enough strength to hang up. His arm shook as he reached for the End button. He took a deep breath and turned around, looking at each and every one of us in the eye. "That was Fighter Command. Ian was taken by the gunmen onto a... onto a plane. They're airborne and heading south. They'll be over the city in 10 minutes."

The constant tack-tack-tack of keyboards in the computer-filled room abruptly stopped. Everyone dropped what they were doing and thirty shocked heads jerked towards an increasingly despondent James. He continued.

"T-two fighters are trailing the plane. The civvies at Approach Control say the pilot is despondent." He paused to recompose himself. "That plane is a missile, and it's headed for downtown.""What do they need from us?" asked the Colonel, speaking slowly to avoid betraying the incredible despair he felt."Our fighters have a radar lock on the jet. They need clearance to shoot."

A sigh echoed through the silent room. Not a sigh of relief but a sigh of sorrow. We knew what needed to happen. First seconds, then minutes passed, and we powerlessly watched three dots move across the map on our monitors, getting ever-closer to the city. Another phone call came through just as I was going to refresh the map for the umpteenth time. Once again, James had to pick up. He ended the call even sadder than he was before, and he stared at the Colonel for several seconds before speaking. "They need the decision, they need it now, Sir."

[u][b]ADDITIONAL DETAILS[/b][/u][b]Why is this stat increase necessary?[/b] [b]What impact will this increase have on your IC nation's strength?[/b] [b]How will this stat increase contribute to your roleplaying and worldbuilding?[/b]

[u][b]CRITICAL DISCUSSION[/b][/u][b]List at least two other ways that the desired IC benefit can be achieved:[/b] [b]Critically discuss how will this stat increase may affect other nations or regional geopolitics:[/b] [b]How have you contributed towards furthering the roleplaying and worldbuilding community of the region during your presence so far?[/b]

I acknowledge that any acceptance is conditional on the increase having productive roleplaying utility to the region as a whole, and that it may be rescinded at any time if it becomes derelict or conducive towards powergaming.

Your stats increase will be approved upon the agreement of two individuals responsible for accepting applications.

Last edited by Ainin on Thu Feb 22, 2018 8:59 am, edited 53 times in total.

Short IC name: ThietschLong IC name:Kingdom of ThietschPopulation: 7,680,780Capital: Sench FredericoGovernment type:Federal Parliamentary Constitutional monarchyFactbook (IIwiki preferred):It will be moved to a main article soonMap claim (Imgur link preferred):Next to Sjal's Red BlobMain NS account (if not the one you are applying with): BaiwaAnything else to add (optional): I want someone to help me with that map claim fam

Last edited by Thietsch on Wed Jun 22, 2016 9:18 am, edited 1 time in total.

Short IC name: KihmaLong IC name: Republic of KihmaPopulation: 15,252,019 Capital: HatamGovernment type: Semi-Presidential RepublicFactbook (IIwiki preferred):Map claim (Imgur link preferred):http://imgur.com/CpyNl4ZMain NS account (if not the one you are applying with): This oneAnything else to add (optional): I currently don't have a IIwiki account for my nation, this is mostly for me to sign up and make a map claim in green. I don't think I would have time to edit on the IIwiki at the moment

Last edited by Kihma on Wed Jun 22, 2016 3:00 pm, edited 2 times in total.

Kihma wrote:Short IC name: KihmaLong IC name: Republic of KihmaPopulation: 15,252,019 Capital: HatamGovernment type: Semi-Presidential RepublicFactbook (IIwiki preferred):Map claim (Imgur link preferred):https://imgur.com/Q14MX5NMain NS account (if not the one you are applying with): This oneAnything else to add (optional): I currently don't have a IIwiki account for my nation, this is mostly for me to sign up and make a map claim in green. I don't think I would have time to edit on the IIwiki at the moment

I'm not sure if it's stil counted, but there was a map claim at that spot a week ago on our old system.

President Emmanuel Carvallo1st President of the Senate of Fernão (2017-2017)Chief Whip of the Civic UnionPatricio MagrinaNominee for Secretary of Health and LabourMember of the Events Committee

Political Compass:Economic Left/Right: 7.25 Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: 0.51Liberal Conservative Roman Catholic.Member of the Liberal National Party of Queensland (LNP) Supporter of the Coalition (Australia).

Kihma wrote:Short IC name: KihmaLong IC name: Republic of KihmaPopulation: 15,252,019 Capital: HatamGovernment type: Semi-Presidential RepublicFactbook (IIwiki preferred):Map claim (Imgur link preferred):https://imgur.com/Q14MX5NMain NS account (if not the one you are applying with): This oneAnything else to add (optional): I currently don't have a IIwiki account for my nation, this is mostly for me to sign up and make a map claim in green. I don't think I would have time to edit on the IIwiki at the moment

I'm not sure if it's stil counted, but there was a map claim at that spot a week ago on our old system.

Oh... so is there an updated version of that map? Should I delete that claim?

President Emmanuel Carvallo1st President of the Senate of Fernão (2017-2017)Chief Whip of the Civic UnionPatricio MagrinaNominee for Secretary of Health and LabourMember of the Events Committee

Political Compass:Economic Left/Right: 7.25 Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: 0.51Liberal Conservative Roman Catholic.Member of the Liberal National Party of Queensland (LNP) Supporter of the Coalition (Australia).

Short IC name: SanakhtLong IC name: Holy Kingdom of SanakhtPopulation: 4,309,200Capital: AkhetatenGovernment type: Absolute monarchyFactbook (IIwiki preferred): Don't have one, but I could create one within a few hours if you all would like.Map claim (Imgur link preferred):http://i.imgur.com/oLZBTjE.pngMain NS account (if not the one you are applying with):PanoaAnything else to add (optional): Sanakht will be like ancient Egypt. If you all would like to know more, I'd be happy to explain.

Last edited by Sanakht on Wed Jun 22, 2016 5:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Sanakht wrote:Short IC name: SanakhtLong IC name: Holy Kingdom of SanakhtPopulation: 4,309,200Capital: AkhetatenGovernment type: Absolute monarchyFactbook (IIwiki preferred): Don't have one, but I could create one within a few hours if you all would like.Map claim (Imgur link preferred):http://i.imgur.com/oLZBTjE.pngMain NS account (if not the one you are applying with):PanoaAnything else to add (optional): Sanakht will be like ancient Egypt. If you all would like to know more, I'd be happy to explain.

What would it be like technologically? Would it be like modern tech or will it use the same tech as Ancient Egypt?

Sanakht wrote:Short IC name: SanakhtLong IC name: Holy Kingdom of SanakhtPopulation: 4,309,200Capital: AkhetatenGovernment type: Absolute monarchyFactbook (IIwiki preferred): Don't have one, but I could create one within a few hours if you all would like.Map claim (Imgur link preferred):http://i.imgur.com/oLZBTjE.pngMain NS account (if not the one you are applying with):PanoaAnything else to add (optional): Sanakht will be like ancient Egypt. If you all would like to know more, I'd be happy to explain.

What would it be like technologically? Would it be like modern tech or will it use the same tech as Ancient Egypt?

Luziyca wrote:...that might be a bit of a problem, since Esquarium uses modern technology (as can be stated on both the title, and the first sentence, where it mentions how we are MT).

I know, I saw that. I could just use modern tech.

Well, you pretty much have to use modern technology if you want to participate fully in this region. If you try and use ancient Egyptian tech against someone with modern technology... at best, you'd be mocked, and at worst, you'd be ripe and easy pickings for stronger powers.

Well, you pretty much have to use modern technology if you want to participate fully in this region. If you try and use ancient Egyptian tech against someone with modern technology... at best, you'd be mocked, and at worst, you'd be ripe and easy pickings for stronger powers.

Luziyca wrote:Well, you pretty much have to use modern technology if you want to participate fully in this region. If you try and use ancient Egyptian tech against someone with modern technology... at best, you'd be mocked, and at worst, you'd be ripe and easy pickings for stronger powers.

Short IC name: Ōhākune Long IC name: Kingdom of ŌhākunePopulation: 2,653,400Capital: IhumātaoGovernment type: Constitutional monarchy in which the monarch exercises power.Factbook (IIwiki preferred): I haven't started on one yet but will do shortly.Map claim (Imgur link preferred): Unsure.Main NS account (if not the one you are applying with): This one.Anything else to add (optional): I may unexpectedly go inactive for timespan of 3-5 days.

Ohakune wrote:Short IC name: Ōhākune Long IC name: Kingdom of ŌhākunePopulation: 2,653,400Capital: IhumātaoGovernment type: Constitutional monarchy in which the monarch exercises power.Factbook (IIwiki preferred): I haven't started on one yet but will do shortly.Map claim (Imgur link preferred): Unsure.Main NS account (if not the one you are applying with): This one.Anything else to add (optional): I may unexpectedly go inactive for timespan of 3-5 days.

What is your nation like? I'll be able to help you pick a spot for your map claim after that information is complete.

President Emmanuel Carvallo1st President of the Senate of Fernão (2017-2017)Chief Whip of the Civic UnionPatricio MagrinaNominee for Secretary of Health and LabourMember of the Events Committee

Political Compass:Economic Left/Right: 7.25 Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: 0.51Liberal Conservative Roman Catholic.Member of the Liberal National Party of Queensland (LNP) Supporter of the Coalition (Australia).